What are Bridal Portraits?

A bridal portrait or "bridals" is a formal picture of the bride in her wedding dress, taken a few weeks before the wedding.  Originating in Europe, bridal portraits were historically oil paintings of royalty in their bridal regalia and were traditionally commissioned by the bride’s family to commemorate the special occasion.

Over the last century, bridal portraits have become a Southern staple.  They represented a rite of passage for Southern debutantes and belles and were displayed on an easel at the guest book table at the reception and then hung in the bride's parents home.

Bridal portraits have evolved over the years, as brides opt for a more personal and natural setting, instead of a studio session.  Many brides even choose to take bridal portraits, so they can use the day as a trial for hair and make-up and as a way to get comfortable in front of the camera before the wedding day.     

Here are a few modern day examples of bridal portraits featuring our beautiful Style Perfect Events brides!

Tara Mauldin Photography



Tara Mauldin Photography



Tara Mauldin Photography



The Beautiful Mess



The Beautiful Mess



The Beautiful Mess

Sources: Southern Bride and Groom and Southern Weddings Magazine

Munaluchi Bridal Magazine

We are very excited to announce that our "Urban Chic" inspiration photo-shoot was picked-up by Munaluchi Bridal magazine for their 2011 Spring/Summer issue. The issue went on sale on Friday and you can pick-up copies at Target, Borders Book Store and more. Turn to page 114 to check-out our feature. ;-)



Munaluchi Bridal is the premiere source of wedding inspiration for women of color who crave culture and style. The Spring/Summer issue has over 200 full color pages of bridal fashion, african-inspired designs, and honeymoon hot spots.


Image: The Beautiful Mess


Image: The Beautiful Mess

Special thank you to the super sweet and talented husband and wife team Candice and Dan Lanning of The Beautiful Mess for their amazing work and photography.

Check-out additional images from the photo-shoot and names of vendors at the links below.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Vendors

There is no "I" in Team

Yes, I know the title is very cliche, but there really is no "I" in team and in the event industry it is very important that you respect other vendors and appreciate their craft and hard-work.

Thank you to all of the vendors, my team and family that participated in this photo-shoot with me! I am so grateful and appreciative for your efforts and partnership!!!

Photography: The Beautiful Mess

Venue: Harvey B. Gantt Center
551 South Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

Rentals: Party Reflections (Modern Tablescape) and Classic Party Rentals (Traditional Tablescape)

DJ/Lighting: Spintastic Sounds

Linens: Connie Duglin Specialty Linen and Chair Cover Rental

Flowers/Cake: From This Day Forward Wedding and Special Event Design

Cake (Modern Tablescape): Cloud 9 Confections

Make-up/Hair Styling: Modern Salon and Spa

Invitation/Stationery: SCM Design

Female Models: The E Agency

Male Models: Jordan Wisniewski, SPE Event Intern

Part 3... Be Inspired: Urban Cityscape Photo-Shoot

We decided to shoot a second look to capture the more traditional bride. Purple is a very popular wedding color, so I wanted to provide some inspiration on styling a simple purple affair!

Enjoy!

Part 2...Be Inspired: Urban Cityscape Photo-Shoot

We switched-up the tablescape in these pictures and streamlined the color palette to add a little more sophistication. Stephanie Huxter, from SCM Design created the invitation and menu cards. The models are from The E Agency!

Attire:
Groom and groomsman - Penguin Tuxedo
Bridal Gown - The Lily Rose
Bridesmaid Dresses - Marshall's ($19 a piece. Got to love a deal! I know I do!)
Accessories - Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and Rainbow (all my favorite stores for affordable and fabulous fashion accessories)
Bride's Sneakers - Jimmy Jazz

Be Inspired: Urban Cityscape Part 1

I am inspired by many different things in life and have a passion for all types of styles when it comes to design...rustic, chic, urban, modern, opulent, Parisian, homespun, vintage...my list can go on and on.

When asked by The Beautiful Mess Photography to create and design a concept shoot last summer, I wanted to display to brides my versatility in design and taste. The first concept shoot that we did was a Garden Party style wedding with a southern and high-society look and feel. You can see images from this photo-shoot here.

This time around, I wanted to show the fun, fabulous and lighthearted feel that an event can take on when you channel your childhood. I'm such a big kid and loved growing up in a big city! I also love 90s R&B and the bright and bold colors of the 80s. My generation is so distinct and rich in culture that I wanted to show how an 80s or 90s baby would throw a party.

Here are a few images from the shoot. Check back this week for Part 2 and 3 of the shoot along with the list of the amazing participating vendors!

Wedding Magazine UK

I have some good news to share! My table number design from the Garden Party Concept Shoot that I designed and styled last Fall is being featured in the August/September issue of Wedding Magazine UK! Please grab a copy and check-it out!

Kudos to The Beautiful Mess Photography for their amazing work on the shoot and to all of the fabulous vendors that made the day possible. You can see images from the shoot and a list of the amazing vendors that participated here.